KUALA LUMPUR: National Patriots Association (Patriot) today slammed Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik for questioning the loyalty of Hindus in Malaysia and commenting on China's alleged mistreatment against Uyghur Muslims.
Its president Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji was responding to Zakir’s remarks on Aug 9 during his Kelantan missionary tour programme.
“Malaysians of Indian origin are loyal. They have also contributed tremendously, along with the other ethnic groups, serving in the security forces, defending our King and country. Several officers and men were awarded gallantry medals fighting our nation’s enemies.
“Questioning the loyalty of the Malaysian Hindus shows that Zakir is ignorant, dishonest and has an ulterior motive and hidden agenda,” Mohamed Arshad said in a statement.
He also said that any sensitive issue related the Uyghur Muslims was best left to the Foreign Ministry.
“It is not for Zakir to instigate the uninformed public, and arouse hatred and animosity towards China, especially at a time when Malaysia’s relations with China are improving. Furthermore, trade and infrastructure investment are also at stake.
“Patriot would like to see Zakir Naik shut up now,” he said.
Zakir, who was granted permanent resident status by the previous government, was wanted in his home country, India, for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently said Malaysia was not keen for Zakir to be in the country, but added that it was hard-pressed to deport him elsewhere because “many countries” were reluctant to accept the controversial preacher. –- Bernama